Boitumelo Mahloko - 2026 TNL final is significant for the Fireballs

The Fireballs were unable to defend their title, suffering a 46-32 defeat to the Free State Crinums at Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria on Monday evening.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mahloko says securing the silver medal sends a strong message to those who had written the team off earlier in the season.

"This was a really tough tournament for us as the Fireballs seeing that we didn't start really well. For us to even make it into a big final like this is huge after knowing that we were quite literally written off. We didn't play the game we wanted to play but we are so proud of what the team was able to put out there."

READ: Martha Mosoahle-Samm leads Crinums to 2026 TNL title

Mahloko explained that the Fireballs’ slow start to the season was largely due to the team undergoing a rebuilding phase, with several new players being integrated into the squad - stating that the newcomers needed time to adapt to the team’s systems, culture and style of play.

Mahloko says the players will now shift their focus to the upcoming University Sport South Africa (USSA) Netball Championships, which will take place from 29 June to 3 July at the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein.

She added that the tournament presents another important opportunity for players to continue their development and build momentum ahead of the 2027 season.